Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' call with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar

Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke by phone with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar on Nov. 2 to discuss bilateral issues, the fight against terror and the situation in Syria.

The leaders agreed yesterday's first combined patrols northwest of Manbij, Syria, were an important step toward de-escalating tensions along the border and maintaining security and stability in the region.